Chris lingered under the hot shower. Letting the needle-like droplets beat against the tense and sore muscles of his back, Chris let his hand wander to his groin. Thinking of the last two days of exciting love making, he smiled. To have it end with such a tragic accident. Chris removed his hand and finished scrubbing himself clean. Stepping out of the shower, his nose picked up the smell of eggs and bacon. Suddenly realizing how hungry he was, he hurriedly pulled on his sweats and headed downstairs.Laura heard Chris' footsteps and finished placing Chris' meal on a bedside tray. When Chris entered the kitchen she motioned to the tray. "Thought you might like to eat in Vin's room. You want coffee, juice or wine?"
"Juice is fine. Wine will put me right to sleep. Thank you, this again is very kind of you." Letting her lead the way, Chris set his tray on the side tables Laura had placed in the room. "Aren't you going to join me?"
"Well, no I ate earlier. Got distracted by my publisher, today and never got those two lovers together." Both of them laughed at her reference to her romance writing.
"Laura, will you sit anyway? I'd like to ask you some questions. I was so upset at the hospital, I didn't really listen to what the doctor was saying. The instructions are around here someplace..." Looking around Chris started to panic. "Darn I just had those." Feeling Laura's arm on his, he turned and saw her holding out the discharge papers. "Oh, thanks." Sighing, he started eating as he talked. "I mean, like how long does this cast have to stay on? Can he get up tomorrow if he wants to? What about those ribs? That bruise looks bad, and should I be feeding him anything special?" The words spilled out of Chris before he could control them.
"Chris, hold on. Relax, ok?" Laura smiled calmly at Chris and took the papers back. "Ok, this long leg cast will stay at least until you get back to Denver, Friday? You are to go to the outpatient clinic on Thursday morning unless Vin starts to have numbness, or tingling or his toes get cold. If the cast starts to feel tight? Like he complains about it cutting off his circulation? Then you need to call this number here. I'd think twice about letting him get out of bed tomorrow. With the broken ribs, he is not going to be able to use both arms for balance. If he should fall again...
He can eat anything he wants, except alcohol while he's on those pain pills. Look, I'm right next door. Come and ask if you have a question or need help. There is a urinal and bedpan under that shelf. If you can get him to use them it will save you both a lot of grief." Standing, Laura turned and pulled a cot out of what Chris thought was a closet. "Pretty neat, huh?
I sometimes sleep on this when Mr Landan is having a hard night. I actually pretty comfortable. There are some more blankets and sheets in here. Chris, don't wait for the pain to start before you give him those pain pills. He's gonna be really, really hurting if you let them wear off before you give more. Wake him up to give them if you have to, ok? Here's my telephone number if you need me." Chris followed her as she went through the living room.
"Thanks, so much Laura. I'm sure I'll be calling asking you for something." Chris closed the door, and went back to sit by Vin.
Vin became aware of the painful throbbing in his leg at the same time he felt the need to go to the bathroom. Opening his eyes, he looked around. Not recognizing anything about the room, he sat up abruptly. The pain that hit his side caused him to double over, gasping for breath. "Chris! Chris, where are you? Chris?" Almost in a panic, Vin struggled to sit up again, causing his leg to fall off the pillows and land on the bed. "AWWW oh, od...Chris.." Starting to cry from the pain and helplessness he felt;he reached down and tried to pull his broken leg off his other one.
Chris heard someone cry out his name. Deep in his sleep, his mind fought to keep him asleep, but his instincts told him the person calling his name needed him. Sitting up, he got his bearings, and heard crying coming from the bed in front of him. "Shit! Vin?" Chris cursed as he moved quickly to the bed. "Hey, it's ok. Vin, stop ...Vin hold still...let me help you. Let go of your leg, ok?" Chris pried Vin's hands off the plaster cast, and placed it back on top of the pillows. Reaching around Vin's shoulder, he carefully sat him up.
Vin felt Chris' firm arm around him and let his head fall back against Chris' shoulder. He continued to cry, but desperate to empty his bladder, he several deep breaths. "Chris. I gotta go. Help me, quick!"
"No Vin, we're not going anywhere. You broke your leg, remember?" Chris tried to sooth Vin but Vin was having none of it.
"NO! Chris..I gotta pee!!! Can't hold it anymore..PLEASE! Don't wanna pee in the bed!!!" Holding on to himself, Vin tired to force himself to control his natural needs.
Chris remember the urinal and grabbed it, shoving Vin's penis in the opening. "Ok, Vin. Here. Use this..It's ok, pard. You're ok. Just use this. Go ahead. I'm not looking." Chris turned his back on Vin and grabbed the pain medication bottle. Looking at the clock, he saw that Vin should have gotten his medicine two hours ago. Chris had never figured out how Vin could be so intimate with him in love making, but painfully shy when it came to using the bathroom. Hearing Vin sigh, Chris asked before he turned his head in Vin's direction. "You finished there, Vin?"
"Yeah, Chris, thanks." Vin held up a urinal full to the brim. "Guess this guy is gonna be my friend for a day or so, huh?" Vin watched as Chris emptied it and brought it back to the bedside.
Chris sat down carefully next to Vin on the bed. Brushing Vin's hair away from his forehead, Chris picked up a tissue and worked at wiping up Vin's tears. Reaching over he picked up the two pain meds, and said. "Open."
Vin pulled his head back and gave the pills a suspicious look. "What's that? I don't need any pain pills. I feel fine now."
"Vin, we are not going to go around and around about this. That leg has got to be killing you..you were just crying to me about it. Come on, Vin?" Vin returned Chris' stare but felt the throbbing returning to his leg and side and opened his mouth. "Thank you. You brat!" Chris leaned forward and avoiding Vin's ribs, gave him a tender kiss on the forehead. "Now, go back to sleep."
Vin watched Chris get up and move toward the cot. Feeling the loss of Chris's secure presence, Vin felt the pain begin to race up his leg toward his groin with stabbing fierceness. "Hmmmm....oh..oh..." Vin tried not to cry out, but he felt himself losing control again and it scared him.
Chris heard Vin moaning and turned back to him. "Hey, what's the matter? Vin?" Chris bent over Vin and pulled up his chin so he could look in Vin's` eyes. Dark blue frightened eyes greeted him.
"Chris, can you sit with me? Please, can you just hold me? Till I go to sleep? It doesn't hurt as much when you're holding me."
Pleading eyes looked up at Chris, and he knew he couldn't deny this man anything. Going around to the opposite side of the bed, Chris lifted the covers and slid himself up along side Vin. Lifting Vin forward, Chris put a pillow behind his head, and pulled Vin up against him. Chris felt Vin totally relax when his arms wrapped around his lover. Nestling his head under Chris' chin, Vin closed his eyes and sighing fell asleep.
Chris heard his cellphone ringing. His beeper went off, right behind it. Raising his head, he looked down and saw the quietly sleeping figure of his sharpshooter, snuggled against his chest. Easing himself from out behind Vin, he lay him down on a pile of soft pillows. Grabbing his phone he turned it on. "Larabee!" Chris spoke in a whisper as he made for the hallway.
Standing where he could see Vin, Chris listened to the voice of his boss on the other end. "What? They can't do that! D.A. said that case wasn't gonna go until sometime next month. Hal, this is crazy. I can't be there today. I know I'm on call as a witness, but I'm in Vail." Chris listened patiently fuming inside. "Hal, Vin got run over by another skier yesterday.He's got a broken leg and busted ribs. I can't just leave him here." Pausing to hear what his boss said, Chris sighed and turned off the phone. "Great! JUST GREAT!!!" Chris balled up his fist banged it against the door frame.
"Shit! Damn it!" Desperately running over several plans, Chris rejected any that had to do with the other team members. Although each would have come to help, they were no where near Vail. Walking back to Vin's room, he shook his head. Even if Vin could handle the trip, he couldn't get back in time to meet the court deadline.
Looking out the bedroom window, Chris saw Laura filling her bird feeders in the back yard. Making up his mind, he grabbed his jacket and went next door. Waking to the gate, he called to her. "Laura? Laura, could I speak to you?"
Laura was surprised to see Chris up so early. "Thought you would be still sleeping. How's Vin doing?"
"He kind of had a rough night. Laura, were you serious when you said you would help out with Vin?" Chris looked down at the slightly built woman.
"Yes, what's the matter? Look, I have coffee and muffins already made why don't you go back inside before you freeze and I'll bring it over. We can talk there?" Laura made it so simple Chris couldn't say no.
Laura came into the condo a few minutes later caring the makeshift breakfast. Chris walked out of Vin's room and took the coffee pot from her. Heading for the kitchen, Chris sat down heavily, his head in his hands.
"Is Vin really, ok?" Laura asked as she placed her hand on Chris' arm.
"Well, he's been in a lot of pain all night. But the pills seem to hold him for about four or five hours. Neither of us got much sleep." Chris smiled at Laura and gathered his nerve. "Laura, Vin and I are ATF agents. We're supposed to be on vacation, but I just got a call from my boss telling me that I have to testify this afternoon in a case that's supposed to be in recess until next month. The Denver D.A.'s office is sending a plane for me in three hours. I can't just.."
Laura squeezed Chris' arm reassuringly. "I'd be more than happy to take care of Vin till you finish. Have laptop, will travel. That's what you were going to ask, right?" Chris nodded his head with relief. "Ok, well why don't you eat and I'll go gather some of my work stuff and change clothes. You can fill me in on what Vin likes etc." Laura turned all business and walked quickly out of the room.
Vin was still sleeping when Chris slipped into his room. The bruise on his chest had grown larger and darker and there was a sheen of sweat on Vin's body. Chris crossed to the bed and put his hand on Vin's forehead. He felt hot. Swearing silently Chris went to the bathroom and soaked wash cloths in cold water. Bringing them back to Vin, he began washing Vin's face. Vin's eyelids flickered and opened
Groaning Vin tried to push Chris' hands away, "Don't stop. It's cold."Grabbing Vin's hand, Chris continued to wash his face. "Come on Vin, open your eyes, I need to talk to you. Please, pard. I don't want to leave till I've talked to you. Vin? Vin?" Chris shook his head and turned to look as Laura dropped several bags in a near by chair.
"What's wrong?" Laura looked past Chris and saw the wash cloths. Going to the bathroom, she brought back a automatic temperature machine. Slipping the probe into Vin's ear, she waited a moment and read the result. "Hmm..102. Not unexpected. The body reacts to injury by speeding up metabolism in the body. Sometimes that also creates a fever. We've got a little time before you have to meet your plane, why don't you help me bathe him with cool water and change the sheets while you tell me about his eating habits.
"Vin's eating habits? Well, on some days it's wild rice and beef jerky and the next day it's chocolate cupcakes and cheese burgers." Laura smiled as she inspected Vin's cast and concentrated on washing his arms while Chris washed Vin's groin. Vin finally awoke when they removed the pillows from under his leg and turned him on his side, to change the sheets and wash and rub his back. Laura couldn't help but admire the fluid muscles of the Vin's back and the tight little butt. She blushed at her own thoughts and fitted clean crisp sheets underneath his freshly washed body.
Helping Chris turn him back to his bath, Laura rechecked his toes, and rearranged the leg back up on the pillows. Propping his left arm back up, she went to the kitchen and came back with an ice pack. Placing it behind his head, she placed a water cup up to his mouth. Feeling the water at his lips, Vin gulped greedily. Opening his eyes, he looked around until his eyes found Chris.
"Chris. I'm so hot. Water feels good." Chris took the glass from Laura and sat beside Vin. Giving him more water, Chris tried to find the words to match his feelings. Laura stepped out of the room sensing their need for privacy.
"Vin. Listen to me. Hal called this morning. The Borrows Case has been recalled to court and the D.A. needs me in court at 2 pm this afternoon. They are sending a plane for me. I'll be back tomorrow or maybe tonight if I can get a flight. Laura is going to stay with you, ok? She'll take really good care of you. I'll call as soon as I get to Denver and after I testify this afternoon. Do you understand? I promise I've not leaving you here. I'll be back as soon as I can and we'll finish our vacation and get you back home to recover. Vin tell me you understand. Please?" Chris stroked Vin's hair and leaned down to kiss him lightly on the lips.
"Chris? Please, don't leave me. I feel so bad. Hurts all over. Please stay and talk to me. Chris? Chris?" Vin's fevered eyes looked at Chris and tears started to form. His Chris was leaving him like all the others he had trusted. Leaving him hurt and alone in the hands of strangers.
Laura patted Chris' arm as he looked one last time at Vin. "Chris, it will be ok. He won't remember this and as soon as his fever breaks, I'll explain it to him again." She saw tears filter among Chris' eyelashes. "Chris. Don't be so upset. He's just hurting, he doesn't mean what he says.
"Yes, he does, Laura." Pausing Chris looked at her along time before continuing. "Vin's mother died when he was five. He never knew his father. Spent all of his childhood in various foster homes and orphanage. He's so afraid of being left alone. I promised him. I gave him my word." Chris leaned his arm on the doorframe and put his head against it. Getting control of his emotions, he heard Laura singing. Sitting by Vin's bed she worked the wash cloth across his face and sang to him of pretty little horses.
Chris watched her for a while, caught her attention and smiled. She smiled back, continuing to sing as she tended Vin.
Chris took the Jeep and met his flight to Denver. The D.A.'s office met him at the plane and quickly started going over his testimony. Chris tried to concentrate, but his mind was back in Vail with his injured friend.
Vin heard the voice singing softly in the distance. It was a song about horses, pretty ones; all in a row? Vin shook his head and the song came nearer. "Vin. Open your eyes, son. Can you hear me? Let me see those pretty blue eyes." The voice was right next to him and demanding in a soft way. He opened his eyes. Looking down at him was the neighbor lady. The nurse turned romance writer. Vin smiled and looked around.
"Vin. Remember me? I'm Laura. Can you stay with me for a few minutes? I need to talk to you." Vin looked up curiously. "Vin do you remember that you broke you leg and some ribs in a skiing accident?" Vin nodded his head up and down. "You've had a fever for the last 12 hours. I think it's under control now. Do you remember talking to Chris earlier?" Vin frowned and shook his head. "Well, he's had to return to Denver until tomorrow. It's ok. I'm staying with you. An honor I might add. And Chris will be back in the afternoon."
"Chris had to go? Why didn't he tell me? He promised. He promised me." Vin turned his head to the side away from Laura. Laura looked at the clock and hoped that Chris would call soon. Vin's mind was still fighting the fever and the pain, and until he talked and remembered a conversation with Chris, he would continue to be devastated.
Chris Larabee was contemplating murder. After finishing his testimony, the judge had agreed to allow the defense to have over night to prepare for cross examination. That meant another day in Denver. He tried to get a flight out to Vail but there was a snow front coming in and all flights had been canceled. Borrowing an unmarked ATF car, he drove out to the ranch. Dialing the number at the condo, he let it ring several times before it was picked up.
"Mr. Landan's residence. Laura speaking." Laura rejoiced at the sound of Chris on the other end of the line. "Oh, Chris I'm so glad you called. Here let me get the phone to Vin."
" What's wrong? Is he ok?" Chris listened as Laura explained about Vin not remembering their conversation because of his fever. She said he had been sleeping most of the day, waking to eat a little soup but staring out the window most of the time. His leg was still making him uncomfortable but he was going longer between pain pills.
"He'll be happy to know you are coming back?" Laura listened as Chris explained his dilemma. "Oh, gosh, Chris. He's gonna be so unhappy. "Feeling the sadness on the other end of the phone, Laura walked into Vin's room and sat beside him. Vin had the finals of a rodeo on the t.v. but he wasn't watching. "Vin, it's Chris." She handed him the phone and quickly left the room.
Vin picked up the phone and grinning widely, spoke into the mouth piece. "Chris? Where are you? How much longer till you get here. We're having a big snow storm. Are you going to drive instead of fly? Be careful if you do, ok? " Chris listened to the excited child-like voice of his lover chatter on.
"Vin. Stop chattering. Listen. I can't get there tonight. I have to go back for cross examination tomorrow. They have canceled all flights in and out of Vail, anyway. I'm headed out to the ranch to spend the night. Tomorrow should be it though. I'll personally kill the judge if he extends my testimony another day. Vin, did you hear me?" Chris listened to the empty silence at the other end of the phone.
Vin had listened to Chris' voice, enjoying the sound of his voice as much as what he was saying. Only Chris wasn't saying what Vin needed to hear. Chris had promised and now he was breaking that promise. The child in Vin threw the phone on the bed and the adult turned his face into the pillow and cried.
"Vin! Vin!" Chris shouted into the phone. He hung up and dialed again, reaching a busy signal three times in a row.
Laura waited, watching the snow fall gently on the trees. Looking at her watch, she saw that fifteen minutes had gone by since Chris had called. She listened intently. Hearing nothing from the bedroom, she peeked in and saw the phone laying on the bed. Vin's face was turned into the pillow and his back heaved with silent crying. Quietly picking up the phone, she slipped back to the living room. Turning the phone off, she was immediately met with a ringing. Clicking the on button, Laura spoke quietly. "Chris? What happened?"
She listened as he explained their conversation. "Well, he must have thrown the phone on the bed. It was still on when I found it." Pausing, she debated telling him about Vin's reaction. "Chris, he's in there now crying. He's trying not to let me hear him. Chris, it's not your fault. Ok? Look, I'll handle things here. You make sure you get yourself on a plane tomorrow, or I'll get Mr. Landen to handle that Judge. And he can do it too, we both know it." Hearing Chris' small laugh, Laura wished him good night and went back to see about Vin.
Vin had stopped crying by the time Laura peeked in. He was on his side his "good" leg on top of his cast. She knew he wasn't asleep despite having his eyes closed. Staring at him, Laura made up her mind and headed for the kitchen.Chris arrived at the ranch without problems. Turning off the car keys, he sat and stared at the house. Dark, even the lights on timers were off. Sighing, he got tiredly out of the car and walked into the empty house. Since Vin had moved in the house had a new energy. He had never minded going home to an empty house before Vin. He minded it now. Dropping his coat, he headed straight for the guest bedroom. Sleeping in the king size bed he shared with Vin by himself seemed wrong. Undressing, he fell into bed and was asleep within minutes.
Sleep wasn't on Vin's mind as he lay quietly on his side. His leg hurt in this position, but he was using the pain to help him forget that Chris was miles away. He realized that he was letting self-pity get the better of him, but he didn't care. He felt miserable and lonely and didn't know how to change that.
Laura carried the tray carefully from the kitchen to the master bedroom. Turning the hall corner, she saw that Vin had moved so that he was on his side, his leg off the pillows. Straightening her shoulders, she walked in the room and sat down her tray. Going to the window, she opened the shades all the way and turned on an outside light. The result was a beautiful display of glistening snowflakes falling in the valley below.
"You know, when I was a kid my parents divorced. Neither one of them could take all of us kids, so I ended up living with my elderly aunt. She had her own interests, one of them reading, thank goodness for me, but it also meant I spent a lot of time alone in my room. So I had to learn ways to make myself feel better when I was feeling down." Uncovering the plate she had brought with her, she continued. "I made books my escape..then later movies. But ya can't have any of that without some comfort food." Seeing Vin's eyes opening, she sat down and held up a cup. "Hot chocolate?"
Vin looked at Laura. The smell of hot cinnamon rolls and chocolate covered the room. Vin returned her smile with a small one of his own. Trying to sit up, he rolled on his back and ended up twisting the cast on his left leg. "Ah...Oh, man!" Closing his eyes against the pain, he tried to rearrange his leg on the bed but it was too heavy to lift. Tears filled his eyes, as he struggled to take the pressure of the cast off his leg. "Laura, oh...please help me here? Hmmm..." Vin threw his head back and moaned.
Laura put down the cup and quickly moved to help Vin. "Wait, Vin. Here can you lift your left hip?" Vin moved to comply and in the effort twisted his rib cage. The stabbing pain of the fractured bones knocked the air from his lungs. Crying out, he grabbed at the sheets with his hands and tried to breath as shallow as he could. Laura placed her hands under Vin's hips and shifted them till his leg was straight again. Grabbing a pillow she placed it hard against the broken ribs and held pressure until Vin's breathing eased.
Vin felt the pain in his side begin to fade as Laura pressed the pillow against him. Moving his left arm he gripped the pillow to himself as Laura gently lifted his encased leg back up on the pillows. Resting without moving, Vin felt the sharp pain replaced with a familiar throbbing. Grimacing, Vin rasped out. "Well, that was ugly."
Laura smiled down at him. "And we do hate ugly." Seeing Vin's smile widen, she went back to pouring the chocolate. "Do you take it straight? Or with marshmallows?"
"Tiny marshmallows?" Vin raised his head. Laura nodded. "With. Thanks Laura. Is it too soon to have some more pain medicine. My leg is still killing me." Vin rubbed the thigh above his cast, trying to ease the throbbing. Taking the two pills, Vin swallowed them savoring the rich taste of the chocolate. "Are those cinnamon rolls? With icing?" Laura grinned and put two on a plate for him.
Watching him eat hungrily, Laura reached in her bag. "Well, since neither of us feels like reading, how about a movie? Comfort foods require a good Western, don't you agree?" Holding up the cassette. "The Magnificent Seven with Yul Brenner. One of the best." Slipping it into the VCR, Laura brought the tray around to the opposite side of Vin's bed. "Mind if I join you?"
"I'd be honored, Miss Laura." Vin mumbled, his mouth full of icing and cinnamon roll. "This is great! I love this movie, especially Steve McQueen. Where did you get it?" Vin watched as the titles began to roll.
"Mr. Landan's video library. I think he has every Western ever made. I've actually used some of them to help me with stuff in my books." Laura said as she sipped her drink.
An hour later, Vin was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. The pain in his leg had diminished to an occasional throb and the comforter Laura had spread over him, hugged him securely. Laura took the empty cup from Vin's hand and adjusted the covers so they didn't put pressure on his cast. Picking up the tray, she quietly moved from his bed. Pulling down the cot, she settled on it with her laptop computer. Watching Vin's chest rise and fall gently, she rewrote the physical description of her hero.
The smell of frying bacon aroused Vin from his deep sleep. Hearing voices in the kitchen, he listened trying to figure out who was there. Hoping against hope, he called out. "Chris? Is that you?" Easing himself upright he looked hopefully at the doorway.
Laura heard Vin call out and made for his room pulling the large man with her. Rounding the corner, she saw Vin trying to get up again. "Vin, don't you ever learn?" Seeing the disappointment in his eyes at not seeing Chris with her, she pointed to her friend. "Paul? This is Vin Tanner, the young man I was telling you about. Vin, Paul is Mr. Landan's physical therapist. He offered to come over help. With his knowledge, maybe we can figure out a way to make you mobile."
Vin reached out and shook Paul's hand. "That would be nice. I'm kind of getting stir crazy here."
Straightening, Paul crossed to the bathroom and turned on the heat lamp. "Well, then. Why don't we start with a shower?" Seeing Vin about to object, Paul continued. "Mr Landan's shower has an extension hose that can be used while you're sitting. I'll wrap your cast in plastic. That way it doesn't get wet. Here, let's get rid of these pillows and get started. Laura's got breakfast waiting." Paul helped Vin settle himself in the wheelchair. Moving Vin into the large bathroom, he got Vin set up in the shower stall.
Vin spent a half-hour relishing the feel of warm pulsing water on his skin. Standing on his good leg, he dried himself and made his way carefully to the wheelchair. The pressure and weight of the cast pulling on his leg, reminding him that he had broken his leg less than two days ago. Exhausted, he was working tediously to get his sweat pants on when Paul knocked on the bathroom door.
"Need some help there?" Paul entered. Taking the pants from Vin, he slipped them over the cast and having Vin stand on his good leg, let Vin finish dressing himself. Pushing Vin's wheelchair, he took him to the breakfast nook, where Laura had brunch waiting for the three of them.
"Well, now don't you look better. Coffee?" Sitting down between Paul and Vin, Laura poured Vin a cup and sat back. "So what do you and Paul have planned?"
Vin looked up from his plate. Laura and Paul were grinning back at him. " Plans?"
Paul worked with Vin throughout the rest of the morning. Together they found a way for Vin to get in and out of the wheelchair without straining his ribs too badly. Paul made Vin do some exercises with his arms and right leg to help him keep his muscle strength. Ending with a light massage, Paul left Vin totally spent on the living room couch. Laura brought him homemade vegetable soup. Moaning as he shifted to sit up, Vin gave her a tired smile. Picking up the spoon he stared out the window, thinking about Chris. Laura returned with pain pills for Vin and took the empty bowl away.
Vin curled on his right side on the couch. Laura placed a pillow between his legs and Vin felt himself drifting off to sleep while Laura tapped away at her computer.
While Vin slept, Chris was into his second hour of cross examination. Despite several attempts, the defense lawyer was unable to shake any of Chris' testimony. Attempting to stall for time, he asked again for a recess. Chris kept his temper in check, but gave cold hard stares to both the Judge and the lawyer. Returning Chris' stare, the Judge made up his mind. "Mr. Manning" the Judge said to the defense attorney "You have Mr. Larabee for the rest of the afternoon. Make the best of it. We will adjourn at pm." Sighing, Chris settled in for a long day.
Laura was in the process of rewriting her love scene for the forth time. It lacked any excitement or drive. She knew it, she just didn't know how to fix it. Looking up she saw Vin watching her. The afternoon sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains. Vin had slept all afternoon, exhausted by his morning activities.
Watching Laura for a minute, he said. "What are you doing? You look frustrated."
Laura smiled and put her laptop aside. Moving to the couch, she helped Vin with his cast as he turned on his back. "Well, I'm trying to make this love scene between my hero and his girlfriend read better. But when I read it..it just sounds bland. You, know like every other romance novel scene."
"Miss Laura, no I wouldn't know. I don't read much..romance novels I mean." Vin blushed vividly. He could feel his face redden as he looked down at his hands.
"Well, look could you read it now and see if you have any suggestions. It would help to have a second opinion." Laura brought the laptop and placed it in Vin's lap.
"Huh, I...my vision's rather fuzzy with this medicine. Maybe you could read it to me?" Vin held the computer up. Laura saw the look in his eyes and sat back down to read.
Ten minutes later Laura finished and looked up. "Well?"
Moving slowly, Vin sat up higher. "Well, huh..I suppose that could be exciting and everything, to some people. But it doesn't have anything unexpected about it.. I'm not good with words, but maybe if you were to let, you know, the man be the one who is seduced? It's just a thought. That heroine of yours is supposed to be spunky and a little wild, right?" Laura nodded as she followed Vin's words. "Well, she might just be the one to be aggressive and have the cowboy kind of taken by surprise. You know take off his shirt..hat..you know, like that." Vin stopped talking surprised by the words coming from his mouth. "I'm afraid that wasn't much help."
"No Vin. That was a very honest assessment of that part of the story. And I like that idea about the girl. Yes, Vin. You have solved my problem."
No one was likely to solve Chris Larabee's problem at the moment. Finishing his cross-examination, he approached the D.A.. Planning on getting information about his flight, he was brushed off by the district attorney as the man started to leave. Chris slipped up behind the attorney and grabbed his arm tightly. "Think you're forgetting something here, Jerrold. That little plane trip back to Vail tonight? When's it leaving?"
Afraid to face the AFT agent, the D.A. handed Chris an envelop. "Here's your plane ticket for tomorrow. The earliest we could get you out is two in the afternoon, sorry."
Chris spun the attorney around and put his face about two inches from the smaller man. "You little shit! Our deal was a plane tonight. To Vail. Not tomorrow afternoon. Tonight!"
"Look Agent Larabee, if it were up to me you could have the plane, but the plane is flying some state senators to Colorado Springs for a dinner party. I'm sorry. Really." The D.A. grabbed his brief case and made his way quickly from the building.
Chris was so mad he couldn't move. That slimy jerk had left him high and dry. It was late. He couldn't take the truck to Vail the roads would be too snow covered for it. Shifting all the possible options in his head, he was left with the only safe conclusion. He was going to be apart from Vin another night. Slamming his hand against the wall, Chris stomped down the stairs from the courthouse.
"Mr. Larabee?" Chris turned his head at the mention of his name. A man dressed in a neat suit was approaching him. "Mr. Larabee? Mr. Landan sent me. He knows the local district attorney office well. There is a plane waiting for you at the airport. Mr. Landan's jet. I'll take you there. The pilot has a flight plan to Vail posted. The weather is clear." Chris looked at the car and then the man again.
Grabbing the man's arm, he propelled them both toward the car. "How fast can you make it to the airport?" Inside the car, Chris picked up the phone and dialed the condo.
"Hello?" It was Vin. His voice sounded stronger and relaxed. "Hello? Who's there?"
"Vin, it's Chris. I'm on my way to the airport in Mr. Landan's car. His plane is waiting there to fly me to you. I'll call you again when we're in the air, ok? You doing all right? How's your leg? Vin. Vin? Why aren't you saying anything?" Chris held his breath, a thousand doubts circling his mind.
"That's great! I'll be up. Laura and I should be finished with the next chapter by then." Chris listened to Vin talk. He couldn't make sense of what Vin was referring to, so he dismissed it.
"Ok, I'll call you." Chris hung up resting his head against the seat. He closed his eyes and let visions of Vin's face send him to sleep.
Vin and Laura finished the pizza about the same time as they finished getting the hero out of jail and back in the arms of his "spunky girlfriend". Helping Vin wrap his leg with plastic, the two of them got Vin in the shower without much damage. Using the hand shower, Laura helped Vin wash his hair and rinse it. Excusing herself, she left Vin to finish the rest of his bath.
Vin was still showering when Chris called. He was half an hour out of Vail and would be at the condo within an hour. Laura could tell there was a happiness in his voice she hadn't heard his the day they arrived. Assuring Chris that she would tell Vin, she went back to the bathroom with silky blue silk pajamas in her hand. Vin's eyes lit up at the sight of the gleaming cloth in her hand.
The silk felt cool against his skin. Vin had buttoned the front up but before leaving Laura had suggested Vin leave it open. She winked as Vin gave her a puzzled look. "There's a bottle of champagne in the cooler. I sat the side table with some things you and Chris can nibble on when he gets here. Remember Vin, no pain pills if you drink anything but a few sips of that champagne. There's Evian water for you. Now don't tire yourself out. And don't forget your clinic appointment in the morning." Laura opened the door to let herself out. Vin hobbled over on his good leg and grabbed her lightly by the waist.
Kissing her lightly on the lips, he kissed her again on the cheek. "How can I thank you? You've been such a great friend. So much help." Laura's looked into Vin's deep blue eyes and returned his kiss on the cheek.
"Well, a certain heroine I know could probably think of a few things, but this girl will consider your help with the story and life long friendship more than enough payment." Avoiding his ribs, Laura hugged Vin one more time and closed the door behind her.
Vin was asleep on the couch when Chris opened the door to the condo. The flight was a little late, and Vin had taken one pain pill. The shower and moving around had taken a toil on his leg. He told himself that he would only close his eyes for a second.
Chris set his keys and jacket down, as he spotted Vin sleeping on the couch. Dressed in beautiful blue silk, the fabric caressed the hard muscles of Vin's chest, causing Chris' groin to stir. Making a decision, Chris took the stairs two at a time and showered quickly. Wrapping a large bath towel around his waist, he made his way back to the living room. Seeing the champagne, he opened it pouring two glasses.
Approaching the couch, Chris knelt down placing the glasses on the floor. The sight of Vin sleeping looking so vulnerable drove Chris crazy with desire. Bending down he started licking Vin around his navel, letting his tongue travel up to Vin's nipples. Avoiding the bruised area, he began sucking the right nipple.
Vin felt the feather-like kisses moving up his stomach and knew they belonged to only one man. Looking down, he saw the lean muscular body of his lover. Chris. Chris was home. Bringing his right hand up he began to stroke Chris' back up and down along the spine. Chris jumped at the sudden touch, and let his hand wander down to rest on the silk fabric surrounding Vin's semi-hard erection. "Hey there." Chris said sitting up to see Vin's eyes.
"Hey there yourself." Vin reached out and tugged at the towel around Chris' waist. Letting it fall down, Vin saw that Chris was already hard and engorged. "Got a problem there cowboy? Must have been mighty cold in that plane."
"No, seeing you here dressed like this..made it mighty warm in here. God, I have missed you so much." Bending down he kissed Vin passionately on the lips. "Vin, I'm so hot for you. Can I...can I touch you? I don't want to hurt you in any way."
Vin reached down and untied the silk ribbons that held his pants together. Chris watched as Vin opened the fabric and brought out his own penis. Licking his lips, he began working his penis. Feeling it harden in his hand, he looked at Chris. "Nope. This don't hurt at all." Chris reached out for Vin.
"Can we move to the fireplace rug? Here, let me carry you." Before Vin could protest, Chris gently picked Vin up and carefully placed him on the rug. Bringing a pillow for his leg, Chris arranged himself so his penis was at Vin's face. He bent his head and started to lick the tip of Vin's swollen shaft. At the same time, Chris felt Vin's mouth close on his own cock and begin to suck.
Working on each other, they made their moves together. Sucking and tonguing at the same time, they climaxed at the same time. Laying side by side, Vin and Chris continued touching and stroking each other reveling in the feel of the other's body. "Chris?" Vin whispered into his blonde lover's ear. "I want you. Now, please?" Chris lifted his head.
"Vin I don't know. I mean you've got the cast and everything." Chris wanted it very much but was afraid of hurting Vin.
"My cast is on my leg, Chris. Not my ass. Help me turn so my cast is on top. Then get behind me." Chris and Vin rearranged themselves and Chris went to the bathroom coming back with scented bath oil. Vin had taken off the silk top and pulled the pants down as far as possible. Chris finished striping them off as he lay his hand on Vin's hip.
Chris could see that Vin was already hard again. Lying down behind him, Chris began to work the oil into Vin's back tracing circles and figure eights along his spine. Squeezing and working the muscles of Vin's buttocks, he finally ran his finger inside Vin's cheeks seeking the opening. Rimming it with his oiled finger, he felt Vin push back trying to hurry Chris' preparation. "Hurry Chris, please..I need to come and I want you in me when I do. Take me Chris...harder...more fingers...ahh..." Vin moaned and thrust his hips back into Chris' hand.
Chris was all lust. His lover was demanding his attention and he was not about to abandon him this time. Taking his penis he gently pushed it against Vin's opening. He felt Vin open for him and he pushed in until he was in as far as he could physically go. Hearing Vin moaning, he waited making sure Vin was ok. "Vin you ok? Do we need to stop? Vin?"
"Chris don't stop...PLEASE..move...thrust into me...God, Chris don't make me wait anymore. DO ME!! YES!" Vin's demanding voice and body made Chris start to rock in and out of Vin. He could hear Vin grunt and groan as he hit bottom with his hardened shaft. Reaching carefully around Vin's hips, Chris let his hand join Vin's. They stroked Vin's cock together as Chris unloaded his sperm deep inside Vin's bowels. Vin came at the same time. Ejecting sperm across the rug, Vin sagged back into Chris' arms.
After a while Chris withdrew from Vin but remained spooned against him. Vin began to get uncomfortable after an hour on the floor. Chris picked Vin up again and took him to bed upstairs. Settling Vin in he fell asleep beside his lover.
Three months later, Vin returned from a physical therapy session and found a small brown box in the mail. Smiling when he saw the return address, Vin hurried inside to open it. Inside he found a gleaming new paperback. Titled THE SHARPSHOOTER'S LADY by Winter Lauran. It was Laura's new novel. The one they had worked on back in Vail. Opening the cover, he saw that she had dedicated the book to someone. It read:
"This book is for two wonderful cowboys who taught me what
true friendship and love for another can mean. Thanks."Vin closed the book smiling and placed it where Chris would find it.